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you have to edit the essay im uploading here: with the thesis statment and causes, etc. Also if you can correct the grammar and the way it was written a little bit better. However not perfect, very basic because the person is not american and it would be very obvious someone did it for her
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Swipe, Scroll, and Share: The Rise of TikTok Among Teenage Girls
introduction is okay.
Everything you love is there in front of you with the swipe of a finger, with no effort
necessary. This is what TikTok offers teenage girls. TikTok is a social media platform for
sharing short video content, but it also creates a digital world where teenage girls explore the
accounts that influence self-expression, fame, and social expectations. TikTok has become a
cultural phenomenon shaping the lives, dreams, and perceptions of teenage girls worldwide.
Originally known as Musical.ly, the platform debuted in 2014, featuring prominent creators
and various sections like “featured” and “following.” Musical.ly, born in 2014, has amassed
over 13 million users, and upon rebranding to TikTok in 2018 with 400 million users, its
evolution to a billion users significantly enhanced recognition and growth. TikTok’s structure
includes the “For You” page, which presents personalized content based on algorithms, and the
“Following” section shaped by user interactions. TikTok’s benefits offer a platform for users to
unleash their creativity through short videos, fostering a global community where individuals
can connect and share diverse cultures and ideas. TikTok’s appeal is its brief videos catering
to short attention spans, a simple layout for content creation, and an addictive algorithm for
creating personalized feeds. This transformation has made social media more than an app; it is
a global center for creativity, cultural exchange, and social approval. The app allows girls to
record, edit, and share videos more efficiently, simplifying content production (Morrison).
THESIS STATEMENT: TikTok has become popular among teen girls because of its userfriendly design and addictive algorithm; it offers the ability to consume and create interesting
content; it makes them feel connected to celebrities; and it gives them a sense of belonging.
While this app conveniently offers access to helpful information, if this trend continues, TikTok
will likely worsen screen addiction, damage girls’ body image and self-esteem, and contribute
to teen consumerism.
3 CAUSES FIRST BODY PARAGRAPHS
first paragraph talk about TikTok’s user-friendly design and algorithm,
LONGER.. talk more about how the algorithm works.. one example
TikTok’s user-friendly design and algorithm serve as key factors driving the app’s
appeal among teenage girls, contributing to the platform’s widespread popularity within this
demographic. Users of different ages and backgrounds can easily explore and take pleasure in
the platform. Originally known as Musical.ly, the platform transformed into TikTok in 2018,
amassing over a billion users. The “For You” page and “Following” section personalize content
discovery, ensuring an engaging experience based on user preferences For example, teen girls
are likely to be shown videos on…. ______. The algorithm feeds off of content that a user
might enjoy once or across other platforms. This means if someone likes a video on lipstick,
that’s what they’ll be shown until the algorithm updates.
second paragraph talk about the ability to consume and create interesting
content.. THE WHY..
Beyond entertainment, TikTok serves as a learning hub with quick tutorials and diverse
content, from humor to music performances, while also setting trends. Its easy content creation,
support for musicians, and interactive features make TikTok an inclusive and social space for
users of all interests. Many people use TikTok not only as a social media website but as a
search engine as well. On the app, one can find billions of videos on today’s fashion trends,
political activism, and a review of the latest episode of a hit TV show. Many teenage girls
aspire to become ‘influencers’, aiming to create content as a career. Those waiting to be
discovered for their talent will post consistent videos, hoping for that one viral video to propel
them to stardom.
The third paragraph has to be about how it makes them(teenage girls) feel
connected to celebrities and gives them a sense of belonging (maybe you can also Give
examples)
The TikTok trend is also driven by the desire to achieve the lifestyles portrayed by
online influencers and celebrities. Since nearly half of TikTok’s user base is between the ages
of 10 and 29, the platform has played a significant role in changing how Gen Z views brands
and shopping. They find a sense of familiarity and connection with the companies and brands
supported by their favorite TikTok influencers, so they want to purchase the items as well.
(YEC Council Post). Since Gen Z is greatly influenced by how authentic content is generated
and posted on TikTok daily, the shopping option presents a huge opportunity for income
generation. Through the connections created between the users, TikTok Live Shopping has
changed the online behavior of this age group by providing them with the chance to view,
interact with, and buy items that are showcased by their favorite creators and brands in realtime (YEC Council Post). Additionally, “influencers,” or social media users who have a big
following and frequently have similar interests, have played a big role in boosting online
shopping on the platform. Teenage girls aspire to be like these influencers and celebrities, as
the parasocial relationships created by TikTok drive them to feel as if they’re best friends.
Therefore, these influencers and celebrities have created a space for teenage girls to belong,
making them feel close to and influenced by those behind the screen.
the EFFECTS of this in 3 BODY PARAGRAPHS:
The harmful impact of TikTok’s addictive algorithm poses risks to the social and
mental well-being of teenage girls, emphasizing the problematic influence of social media on
youth behavior. TikTok has become one of the most widely used social media sites in the world,
with over one billion active users per month. The never-ending loop of brief clips compels
viewers to watch one after another, which is the secret to its success. Every user had a For You
Page curated just for them based on what they were interested in, which includes “likes,
comments, watch time, and shares.” Each person’s algorithm is based on certain characteristics,
such as “likes, comments, watch time, and shares,” which are incorporated into an algorithm
designed for making content recommendations or suggestions. That determines how
appropriate the content is for each user based on their preferences, thus encouraging teenage
users to spend at least 4.8 hours on the app daily (Rothwell). This structure feeds the app’s
extreme addictiveness by providing an infinite stream of trending items to watch. The
unpredictable and thrilling content that TikTok’s algorithm produces is delivered in a staggered
sequence; thus, users keep returning because they do not know what they might watch next due
to its unpredictable nature. Additionally, TikTok videos often last around a minute, which is
just enough time to grab viewers’ curiosity and inspire enthusiasm for the content, and because
there is no time commitment, the brief format makes it simple to swipe through and watch
video after video. It is evident that TikTok’s impactful algorithm, which provides an ongoing
and personalized stream of content, clearly highlights how social media significantly influences
the daily habits and well-being of teenage users.
TALK ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF BODY ISSUES
While offering numerous benefits, TikTok is responsible for creating a negative body
image among teenage girls by promoting unrealistic beauty standards, leading to harmful
comparisons as well as feelings of not being good enough. Young girls’ thoughts and feelings
about their bodies are negatively impacted by TikTok videos that present false expectations for
physical appearance; the effects could be more severe if the material is viewed as authentic and
unedited (Mink and Dawn 216). Social ideas of appearance influence how people are supposed
to appear, which results in a definition of physical attractiveness that includes features like
skinny legs, defined abs, smooth skin, and a 20-inch waist. TikTok viewers often see and share
the ‘best’ versions of themselves and others. Although these standards are not brand-new, since
TikTok only allows users to post short videos, it can be an exceptionally appearance-focused
platform. Many popular trends, such as dancing challenges, represent social standards of
beauty. Young females are under pressure to have an appearance that is unrealistic or
unachievable because of this appearance-focused content. More than half of TikTok users
reported having a poor body image, and comparing one’s abilities was linked to a higher degree
of body dissatisfaction (Morrison). TikTok use is also related to high levels of social jealousy
and an adverse view of one’s body. TikTok’s focus on looks can make girls feel bad about
themselves, pushing unrealistic beauty standards. This is a major issue, as it makes many girls
unhappy with their bodies.
TALK MORE ABOUT THE EFFECT OF contribute to teen consumerism AND
DELETE OF WHAT I WRITE IF ITS NOT ABOUT THAT
As a final point, TikTok has grown from its musical roots into a global hub for
creativity, community, and social validation, particularly appealing to teenage girls with its
advertisements for products through influencers. Influencers, such as teenager Charli
D’Amelio, have showcased the platform’s ability to empower teenage girls by providing
avenues for showcasing their talent. Based on the social media site, two-thirds of TikTokers
buy products that companies promote on TikTok because people connect better with these
products when they are engaged with TikTok content. Since most online audiences
automatically trust the views of influencers, many TikTok users have made purchases after
watching their promotional videos (Ngangom). Micro-influencers are also effective at
convincing their audience because they are usually experts in a specific area, which makes
them an ideal source of advice for various products. This has created a culture of
overconsumption, as many girls are shopping out of want, not out of need. Therefore, it is safe
to say that TikTok has cultivated poor spending habits among teenage girls as they impulse
buy to show off without needing the advertised products.
CONCLUSION (Revisit/expand on the potential social and cultural effects of this
TIKTOK trend? Think about what social values it promotes/demotes and what
problems/solutions it might create. Where we should go from here? What
awareness/insight has your reader gained in reading your essay?
Despite these positive aspects, it is essential to acknowledge that TikTok also has its
dark side. Like many social media platforms, TikTok contributes to negative body image and
perception, encourages reckless spending, and may lead to addiction as well as social and
mental health issues among teenage users. Therefore, as TikTok continues to reflect and shape
societal norms and expectations, it is crucial to navigate its impacts responsibly, understanding
its potential benefits and drawbacks for the well-being of teenage girls.
Works Cited
Geyser, Werner. “The Incredible Rise of TikTok – [TikTok Growth Visualization].”
Influencer Marketing Hub, 22 Mar. 2023, influencermarketinghub.com/tiktokgrowth/.
Mink, Danielle Bissonette, and Dawn M. Szymanski. “TikTok use and body
dissatisfaction: Examining direct, indirect, and moderated relations.” Body
Image 43 (2022): 205-216.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S174014452200167X
Morrison, Nick. “Cutting Down On Instagram, TikTok Makes Teens Feel Better
About Weight, Appearance, Says Study.” Forbes, 23 Feb. 2023,
www.forbes.com/sites/nickmorrison/2023/02/23/cutting-down-on-instagramtiktok-makes-teens-feel-better-about-weight-appearance-saysstudy/?sh=150b1dcf3ef4.
Ngangom, Martina. How TikTok has impacted Generation Z’s buying behaviour and
their relationship with brands?. Diss. Dublin Business School, 2020.
Rainey, Clint. “For teen girls, TikTok is the ‘social media equivalent of razor blades
in candy,’ new report claims.” FastCompany. 15 Dec. 2022,
https://www.fastcompany.com/90824912/tiktok-teen-girls-self-harm-eatingdisorders-study-ccdh
Rothwell, Jonathan. “Teens Spend Average of 4.8 Hours on Social Media Per Day.”
Gallup. https://news.gallup.com/poll/512576/teens-spend-average-hourssocial-media-per-day.aspx
Swadling, Claire C. “What the Hell Happened: Alix Earle’s Rise to Fame.” The
Harvard Crimson, 4 Apr. 2023, www.thecrimson.com/article/2023/4/4/alixearle-rise-to-fame-tiktok-beauty-lifestyle-influencer/.
Wood, Sydney. “The Different Ways TikTok Has Affected Teenagers.” Mill Valley
News, 29 Nov. 2019, www.mvnews.org/the-different-ways-tiktok-hasaffected-teenagers/.
YEC Council Post. “How TikTok Has Changed The Way Gen Z Shops Online.” Forbes, 12
Oct. 2022, www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2022/10/12/how-tiktok-has-changed-the-way-gen-zshops-onli
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